Barons Court Project set free to make big plans for the future

Michal Angus, director of the Barons Court Project, talking to people who use the service over lunch

The Barons Court Project is the second charitable organisation to benefit from having had the freehold of their building transferred to them under the council’s asset transfer programme.

The move safeguards the W14 charity’s building against any potential commercial redevelopment for a generation to come.

Plus, it now has the freedom to do even more life changing work for people who are homeless and have mental health problems.

“We’re elated. This gives us a real sense of stability,” said director Michael Angus.

“If we go to someone and say will you invest in us for new computers or something like that, the first thing they ask is ‘have you got a lease and how long is it?’. Now we have the knowledge we’re here for a long time. Now we can plan long term instead of year by year.”

Rosy future

Owning the building outright will mean the Talgarth Road organisation will not only save money on ground rent, but it will be much easier to attract funding. And they’ll be able to rent out space to other community groups and provide more services on the same site.

“We’re delighted to have been able to give Michael and the team at the Barons Court Project the stability they need,” said Cllr Sue Fennimore, Deputy Leader of H&F Council.

“The team do such fantastic work. Giving them the freehold was obvious choice as now they’ll be able to do even more for vulnerable people in Hammersmith & Fulham.”

The charity helped 230 people in the past year in a wide range of ways. It has included helping them with housing, employment, mental health, and living independently.

Success

Michael and his team have recently been successful in improving their service after raising the funds to refurbish their shower and installing a new boiler after raising the funds on the council’s H&F Hive site.

Meanwhile, H&F Council have provided a boost to another local charity – the Urban Partnership Group in Shepherds Bush – after it agreed to transfer the freeholds to their buildings.

Much like the council’s decision for the Barons Court Project, it safeguards the future of the Masbro Centre, Edward Woods Community Centre and 49 Brook Green.